April, 2004 ANGELS’ WHISPERS
Vol.1 Issue 1
Soldiers’ Angels Newsletter
We are proud to introduce a bi-monthly newsletter whose goal is to keep all Angels aware of ongoing projects for deployed and wounded soldiers and current happenings from our message boards. We would like to remind you that you are invited to join the message boards at any time. You will need to register on the front page. You will then be approved and will be able to post. This board is for supporting soldiers, working on projects and fund raising efforts. The message board at MSN http://groups.msn.com/ASoldiersBlog is for more “general” topics and where you can “meet” other Angels who share ideas, letters from soldiers and where you can ask questions. You will also need to register on the MSN board. Just put “member; per newsletter” in the comments area of your registration. Thank you all for supporting our troops and making a difference in their lives.
FROM THE FRONT: To Angels From Our Soldiers
From an officer to an Angel: I can never take for granted their service, not for one minute - not for one second. And now...even in a hell like this - God has sent yet another Angel. I'll bet you didn't know that did you? How truly amazing - how close we come to God in such a far away place. .And how silly I am for thinking that this private's safety is for me only to keep. Seems there are many who share this burden-and make me sleep sound. You made one of my soldiers smile today - sitting there by himself - and for that, you have touched my soul, .I'd thank you, but that's not why Angels do what they do (I know). So instead I'll just say - Well Done! You can rest easy, message received. And I'll do my best to bring them home. I owe God one ;-)
From soldier to Angel via email: "it never stops... but it feels great. I am spoiled now. see what you guys did to me.lol. I log on my computer and there you are. and if it wasn't you its another angel. thank you. I cant explain the feeling..."
Ricky
From a Ranger in the 82nd: I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I RECEIVED YOUR MAIL. I CAN'T EXPLAIN HOW MUCH YOUR SUPPORT MEANS TO ME. I'M GLAD THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT DO ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT SERVICE MEMBERS. AGAIN THANK YOU AND I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND CARING ABOUT SOLDIERS. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To Soldiersangels: Dear soldiers angels, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continuing support of the soldiers in Iraq and elsewhere. I know from a personal perspective that your generosity made a world of difference to me and to my soldiers. They may not always write back and they may not always sound as excited in the letters that they do write back, but they are thankful. Each and every one of them. Getting mail is the greatest morale boost in theater, because it means somebody cares. You are all doing more than you probably realize. Many of these young men and women are over there and have nobody that cares about them, but you are there, and they love you for it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
(Captain of Reserve Unit recently returned from Iraq-letter posted on our Soldiers Angels message board)
From the Desk of Ana-Marie
Hello Angels,
I wanted to let you know how I found out about SoldiersAngels. In
October, I came upon www.brandonblog.com and I was impressed most with
the up to date news articles from Iraq. I then noticed there were links to a message board, care package information, etc. I emailed Patti at her email address and told her I liked her site and I was willing to write letter of support to soldiers. At that time, I was involved with another support group and already had several sailors and soldiers that I had adopted. Next thing I knew Patti, said can you join Soldier's Blog at MSN and help me run the boards? When I joined the boards it was just Patti and I. We then started recruiting friends and others we new that would be interested in supporting our military.
Back in October 2003, never did I imagine that our group would grow so
quickly and accomplish so much. In such a brief time, we have with the
help of all our Angels, been able to provide aid and comfort to our deployed military. We have only just begun and look at all we have done. I only see further success for Soldier's Angels in the future.
Soldier's Angels would not be a success without all of you Angels.
Thank you for the time you take in your life to show a service member that you care and appreciate the job they have chosen to do.
Ana-Marie Smith
ANGELS OF MERCY By Peggy Baker, Pres. Wounded Soldiers Projects
Soldiers’ Angels’ Wings Spread from Sea to Shining Sea
The Soldiers’ Angels had representatives at 3 major military hospitals this past holiday weekend. Each Angel had much love and many cards and gifts to pass out to our wounded at Walter Reed in Washington D.C., Brooke Army Medical in Houston, Texas and Landstuhl Regional in Germany.
I consider it a blessing to visit with our wounded. I am amazed at the progress each soldier has each time I see them. They are strong and courageous and it shows in their recovery. Their concern and loyalty to each other is seen every where at these hospitals. You will often see a group of wounded helping each other around and encouraging each other to continue on, their devotion to each other is immeasurable.
Each soldier there has a story of valor and it is an incredible feeling when you hear their humbleness about their sacrifices, they do not even realize that they are heroes.
Our Angel Samantha who went to Brooke Medical has this to say about her visit…
I am home from visiting the guys at BAMC. It was so wonderful. They were all very appreciative and so sweet. We met with the residents of Fisher House and about 75 of the single soldiers that are still in Medical Hold. It was such a blessing! I absolutely fell in love with Rashawn and Jose. Rashawn has a prosthetic arm and Jose was burned badly but they have such spirit! We were happy to have some of the silver dancers from The San Antonio Spurs visit also. They were such sweet girls and very caring with the guys.
Our Angel Willie in Germany had this to say about her visit…
We have seen marines and soldiers lying in their beds, full of pain and with eyes filled with tears, who could not make any movement without pain. By every Hero we have visited we have seen that they appreciate our visit, sometimes they looked at first a little bit surprised, to see that Germans visit them and then our German group said to them “Thank you very much for the great job they have done for us all” This was a great thing, to give them handshakes and this brought us tears in the eyes. And they told us always again and again, thank you so much for doing this for us.
The Soldiers’ Angels will support our wounded and their families for as long as they need us. If you would like to donate to one of our Wounded Soldiers Projects please visit our website and pick the project of your choice.
Please remember that our Freedom is not free…
All gave some…
Some gave all
Spotlight on..... "Soldier Angel Project of the Month"
This month Angels are providing extra support for: Sand Storm Scarves For Soldiers
Sand storms in the Middle East have arrived, protect your soldier from the elements with a Sand-Storm-Scarf. The Soldiers' Angels Foundation will send in YOUR NAME a scarf, letter of support and an American Flag Decal.
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE SOLDIERS' ANGLELS FOUNDATION TO TAKE CARE OF OUR SOLDIERS!
Angels’ FAQ’s
1) What are the responsibilities of a Soldiers Angel?
Sending letters, cards and care packages to your soldier(s). While there are no rules about frequency we hope that all our angels will be able to send weekly letters and monthly packages to their soldiers.
2) How can I learn more about my soldier?
We have sent you all the information about your soldier available at the time your welcome letter was sent. If we obtain additional information will update you by email as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to ask questions about your soldier in your first letter so you can get to know him or her.
3) What should I write in my first letter to my soldier?
Introduce yourself as a Soldier Angel and let your soldier know that you have "adopted" him/her and will be writing and sending care packages. Tell your soldier about yourself and your family, they love to hear about what's going on "back home" so don't feel like you are giving too much detail. Ask your soldier questions about where they come from and what they do in the military as well as what snacks, books or music that they like. Remember, what is treasured most of all is the knowledge that someone they don't know cares enough to reach out to them. Be sure to include your mailing address and email in all communications so that your soldier can write back if they want.
4) What items should I send in my care packages?
We have detailed lists available on the Soldiers Angels website, but snacks of all types, powdered drink mixes, small portable games, books, CD's and especially DVD's are wonderful additions. Many deployed soldiers have access to a PX so toiletry items aren't needed as much as they initially were, but foot powder, chapstick (with UV protection) and eye drops are always appreciated.
5) What if I don't hear back from my soldier?
It is likely that you may not hear back from your soldier. Many times we need to take it on faith that our "angel efforts" are received and appreciated by our soldiers. Some soldiers will write or email back immediately but some are not as used to letter writing or may not know what to say to you. Our deployed soldiers are often sent on back to back missions with extended hours and need the little time in between to rest so unless your letter or package is returned, imagine the smile on your soldiers' face when he or she gets an unexpected treat at mail call. If your package is returned, contact SA immediately and we will try to find out if there has been a change in your soldiers' address, or if they are on their way home and there has been a stop put on their mail.
6) Can I share my soldier's address with other people if they want to write to him also?
Please keep your soldier's address confidential, for your use only. If you have friends or family that would like to support your soldier they can give you letters to send. Even better, have them sign up for their own angel and we will be able to reach out to more soldiers.
7) How can I adopt more soldiers?
Contact Terry Doyle (doylemom6@yahoo.com) and ask her to send you the address of another soldier.
8) How can I get to know other Angels?
Join our Soldiers Angels message board and get to "know" other angels, you'll be able to get to know some wonderful people that share your interest in supporting our soldiers, sailors and marines.
9) How can I learn more about other Soldiers Angels projects?
In addition to the information in our newsletter we have a section of the message board devoted to other Soldiers Angels projects. Check it out to learn about all the great ways you can help us support our deployed and wounded soldiers.
10) Who is the contact with questions about Soldiers Angels?
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Terry Doyle doylemom6@yahoo.com Readoptions , additional adoptions, and special project adoptions
Blog Editor, readoptions, Welcome Angels
Terry Doyle
Editor
